Next Step Journal 7 Sacraments

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1 Next Step Journal 7 Sacraments WELCOME TO Next Step The Sacraments are a beautiful part of our Catholic faith! Our goal with this segment of your Confirmation preparation is to help you best understand what each sacrament means to the Catholic Church as well as your own personal life journey. Many times we see each Sacrament as just another thing to check off our faith todo list, when in reality it is a responsibility and gift from God to help enhance our faith and fulfill His will. With our NEXT STEP guide we ask that you take a closer look at why we as Catholics celebrate each Sacrament, what it means to you, and how it is the NEXT STEP in building a closer relationship with God. HOW TO USE NEXT STEP To truly understand and study each sacrament in depth, we would need years, probably a lifetime. So in this journal we are only going to highlight some of the major characteristics, aspects and rites of the 7 sacraments. We will give you some biblical passages that are the source for these gifts, and questions to help you reflect on God s intricate plan to bring us closer to Him. If after this guide you want to dive deeper we encourage you to look in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2 nd Edition. GENERAL OVERVIEW The Sacraments are split up into three categories: 1. Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation) 2. Healing (Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick) 3. Sacraments at the Service of Holy Communion (Marriage and Holy Orders). THE SACRAMENTS OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION These Sacraments are Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation. Each signifies a specific moment in our faith journey where we deepen our commitment to following Christ and living out the path God has created for us. Many times these Sacraments are viewed as an obligation, something to check off the list, a requirement in order to be seen as a full member of the Church. Even though these three sacraments are viewed as a necessity in our Catholic faith they are more of a gift than an obligation. As Catholics we view: The sacraments of Christian initiation Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by

2 the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity." CCC 2nd Edition Just as we need food and exercise for physical growth, we need these Sacraments to help us grow spiritually. By receiving each of these sacraments you are not only growing, but deepening your commitment and relationship with Christ. THE SACRAMENTS OF HEALING These sacraments are Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. As we grow deeper in our faith and travel our life journey we are faced with many obstacles, temptations and decisions that can hurt us emotionally, spiritually and physically. On our life journeys, we are all vulnerable to evil and sin. Jesus came to help the poor, heal the sick and most importantly die for the sins of the world. If you physically get hurt you often need to go to the doctor to receive the necessary care to heal and get better. Even in moments of death we can receive medical care that will ease our pain and help us through the process. Both of the healing sacraments work to heal our soul, heart and most importantly our relationship with God and others. These sacraments are about cleansing us of the sin that damages our bodies and souls. THE SACRAMENTS AT THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION The Sacraments at the Service of Communion are Marriage and Holy Orders. God created us for a purpose and each day calls us to fulfill that purpose. In the Sacraments at the Service of Communion we are called to grow and strengthen our faith while evangelizing. While both sacraments call people to different lifestyles they are responsible for encouraging people to maintain relationships with Christ and others while continuing the movement of the Church.

3 The Sacraments of Christian Initiation Baptism For most of us we were baptized as an infant, so much of the preparation was done by our parents and Godparents. So why is this sacrament so important, why can t we just say we love God and that we will commit ourselves to Christ? Read John 3: What thoughts went through your mind when you read no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born through water and the Spirit? Are you troubled by this statement? 2. Why do you feel it is important to be born through water and Spirit? Why is water so symbolic to this Sacrament? Read Matthew 3-4:11 3. How do you believe Jesus baptism affects the temptation that takes place in the desert? Read Acts 2: How does the sacrament of Baptism symbolize initiation into a community? 5. How have you felt a part of the Catholic/Christian community? What benefits does it provide in your life?

4 7 POINTS TO REMEMBER Here are 7 points you can remember about Baptism to help you take the NEXT STEP in your faith: 1. Through Baptism, every Christian shares in Jesus mission as priest, prophet and king. 2. At our Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ. 3. We receive God s life or sanctifying grace at our Baptism. 4. Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life. 5. Baptism is God s most beautiful and magnificent gift. 6. The primary symbol of Baptism is water. 7. In Baptism there is an exorcism which is the Church s way of destroying the influence of the devil. Holy Communion Each week we go to Mass to receive Communion, and as Catholics we believe that through transubstantiation the bread and wine that we break becomes the actual Body and Blood of Christ. Pretty crazy huh? But this is what Jesus told us at the Last Supper. We receive Holy Eucharist each week to remember Jesus death, to unite as a community and to renew and strengthen our commitment to the Church we joined through Baptism. Read Luke 22:13-20 What feelings do you think were going through the minds of the disciples as they sat with Jesus at Passover? How would you feel if you were asked to have dinner with Jesus? How is going to Mass like being invited to eat and drink with Jesus? Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Paul is telling the Corinthians how important it is to examine ourselves before we receive the body and blood of Christ. In what ways do you examine yourself before Mass each Sunday?

5 Paul tells the Corinthians to wait for one another before receiving the Eucharist. In your opinion what is the significance of this instruction? 7 POINTS TO REMEMBER 1. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian Life. 2. The Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith. 3. God instituted the Eucharist as the memorial of his death and Resurrection. 4. We consider the Eucharist as thanksgiving and praise to the Father; the sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body; the presence of Christ by the power of his word and of his Spirit. 5. The offering of Christ not only unites the members still here on earth but also those already in the glory of heaven. 6. Holy Communion separates us from sin. 7. Communion renews, strengthens, and deepens this incorporation into the Church, already achieved by Baptism. Confirmation You are preparing for Confirmation, but do you really know what you are preparing for? I m sure you do, but just to make it clear what Confirmation actually is, you are going to have to look at the actual word. Yep, that s right you are confirming something and yep, that s right again, you are confirming your faith. So how do we do that? This last step in the initiation process is pretty much finalizing what s been started. In Baptism you are introduced to the Holy Spirit and the Church community, and through Confirmation you live it. Read Acts Chapter 2 What effect did the Holy Spirit have on the disciples? When the people asked the apostles and Peter What are we to do, my brothers?, Peter responds with some instruction. As Confirmed Catholics we are asked to guide others in the same direction; what in your opinion do you think that entails? How do you feel the role of a Confirmed Catholic is different than a non-confirmed Catholic?

6 Read Ephesians 1:13-14 How is being Confirmed like a pledge to God? When confirmed in what way do you wish to spread the Good News of the Lord? 7 POINTS TO REMEMBER 1. After being confirmed you are given greater power to worship God, to support others in faith and to serve others. 2. When receiving Confirmation the Church should be seen as your family. 3. The confirmed receives the mark, the seal if the Holy Spirit. 4. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace. 5. Confirmation should be thought as furthering your relationship with Christ and becoming closer to him. 6. One should be in a state of grace in order to receive Confirmation. 7. When receiving the sacrament of Confirmation one must be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ.

7 The Sacraments of Healing Reconciliation Saying sorry can be one of the hardest things for us to do. Not only do we want to avoid guilt, we want to keep away the pain and suffering that goes along with it. When we make bad decisions we not only hurt the relationships we have with others, we also hurt our relationship with God. By committing sin and going against God s will we create a void in our lives. When you sin you are actually pushing yourself away from God, you are pushing yourself away from the most powerful, unconditional love ever known...so how do we reestablish that connection? Through Reconciliation. With this section of the booklet we are going to ask you to take a more active role. Below are a few points to reflect on and then we encourage you to participate in the Sacrament. If you are feeling intimidated please ask your Mentor, Sponsor, parent, or Youth Minister for help. Whoever confesses his sins is already working with God. God indicts yours sins; if you also indict them, you are joined with God. Man and sinner are, so to speak, two realities; When you hear man this is what God has made; when you hear sinner this is what man himself has made. Destroy what you have made, so that God may save what he has made. When you begin to abhor what you have made, it is then that your good works are beginning since you are accusing yourself of your evil works. The beginning of good works is the confession of evil works. You do the truth and come to the light Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition WHAT TO KNOW There are four parts to Reconciliation: Contrition: Being sorry for your sins. Confession: Telling your sins to the priest. Penance: Doing what you can to make up for the sin. Reconciliation gives us actual grace so that we are strengthened to avoid sin in the future. The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory! Ephesians 1:14 Jesus gave Bishops and Priests the power to forgive our sins: Then he breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive people s sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven. Jn. 20:22-23

8 WHAT TO DO Spend 5-10 minutes: Reflect on the mistakes you have made that have hurt your relationship with God. Write a letter asking for God s forgiveness, seal it and reflect on the words you have written. Schedule a time with a priest to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. During Reconciliation you will: Greet the priest Tell the priest your sins. (ex. Father I am sorry for my sins I have ) He will then advise you on how to overcome your sins and how to seek Penance. He will then ask you to make an Act of Contrition: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. He will then speak the following words over you: God, the Father of mercies, through the death and the resurrection of his Son has reconciled the world to himself and sent the Holy Spirit among us for the forgiveness of sins; through the ministry of the Church may God give you pardon and peace, and I absolve you from your sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen! Anointing of the Sick How do we deal with sickness and death? It can be such a difficult thing to go through because it is unpredictable, it can turn our lives upside down, we want to make sure that the people we love are taken care of, and that we aren t leaving anything undone. The Sacrament of Anointing gives us the grace and courage we need to help us through these trying times. WHAT TO KNOW Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament intended to strengthen and heal (spiritually and/or physically) those who are being tried by illness or who are near death. The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness: the Anointing of the Sick. Christ asks us to believe in Him in order to be healed and saved. Through this sacrament one receives many gifts.

9 This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition Read Mark 5:21-43 (Jairus Daughter and the Hemorrhaging Woman) The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies, who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members. This is the purpose of the two sacraments of healing: the sacrament of Penance and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church; the strengthening, peace, and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age; the forgiveness of sins, if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance; the restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of his soul; the preparation for passing over to eternal life Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition WHAT TO DO Take 5-10 Minutes Reflect on a time when you felt ill and received love and care from a friend or a family member. Take a moment to write a letter or card to a family member or friend you know who may be ill or in old age. Let them know that you are thinking of them and that they are in your prayers. This small gesture can make a large impact.

10 The Sacraments at the Service of Communion Two other sacraments, Holy Orders and Matrimony, are directed towards the salvation of others; if they contribute as well to personal salvation, it is through service to others that they do so. They confer a particular mission in the Church and serve to build up the People of God Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition Marriage We are always seeking to be connected to someone. God created us to have a relationship with Him, but also with others. There may come a time in your life when you fall in love with another individual, and feel as if you are called to spend the rest of your life with them. How is that possible? Our faith tells us that marriage is a union meant to continue God s mission of honoring Him and loving our neighbors. Marriage is a connection in love, where you grow in faith together and raise a family to carry on the Good News. REFLECTING ON THIS: God created Marriage so a couple could start a family, have children and continue to spread God s Good News. Do you agree that marriage is about starting a family or do you believe people can get married for other reasons? If so, what are those other reasons? How is starting a family cooperating with God s love? How is God s love symbolized in marriage? How does knowing marriage is a mission to educate and produce life affect your point of view? There have always been threats to the union of marriage. Divorce is breaking your promise to God, your spouse, and your children. What obstacles do you see in marriage these days? What fears do you have about marriage? Do you agree with the Church s stance that divorce is wrong? Under what circumstances should it be okay? Is divorce avoidable? If so how?

11 Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave his life for it. Ephesians 5:14 In what way can you draw Christ s love for the Church to the love a husband has for his wife? Is this realistic? Marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ s presence. To heal the wounds of sin, man and woman need the help of the grace that God in his infinite mercy never refuses them. Without his help man and woman cannot achieve the union of their lives for which God created them in the beginning Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition What do you think is the most important thing a man and a woman can do in marriage? Called to give life, spouses share in the creative power and fatherhood of God.154 "Married couples should regard it as their proper mission to transmit human life and to educate their children; they should realize that they are thereby cooperating with the love of God the Creator and are, in a certain sense, its interpreters. They will fulfill this duty with a sense of human and Christian responsibility." Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition If marriage is the ultimate sign of love between a man and a woman should it be easy, with little work, or difficult, with many trials? Every man experiences evil around him and within himself. This experience makes itself felt in the relationships between man and woman. Their union has always been threatened by discord, a spirit of domination, infidelity, jealousy, and conflicts that can escalate into hatred and separation. This disorder can manifest itself more or less acutely, and can be more or less overcome according to the circumstances of cultures, eras, and individuals, but it does seem to have a universal character Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition A NEXT STEP TO TAKE: There is a lot of information to each sacrament, especially marriage. Unlike the Sacraments of Initiation and Healing; Marriage vs. Holy Orders is a major choice in many people s lives. To find out more about what the Catholic Church says about Marriage please read the Catechism of the Catholic Church and go to section 2: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery and under Chapter 3 you will find more on Marriage.

12 Also if you are interested in talking to one of our Sponsor couples here at St. Alphonsus, please speak with your Confirmation Mentor. Holy Orders Years ago I heard a talk from a holy Catholic priest about his call to the priesthood. He said, I think I would have been a great husband and father. But it s those same characteristics and ability to love that are helping me become a great priest. In our world there is a great need for men and women to dedicate their lives to God. Priests and other religious vocations are here to feed God s people, and they are here to guide us (God s Church) to have a deeper, more powerful and fulfilling relationship with God. In marriage we are dedicated to serve our spouse, but in the religious life we are dedicated to serve God and His people, living out His mission to honor and serve Him by evangelizing, connecting and growing His Church. So who are these people that dedicate themselves totally to God? And could you be one of them? REFLECTING ON THIS: Priests are here to lead and feed God s people. There are two types of priesthood; the Common Priesthood of all believers, and the Hierarchical Priesthood that a priest receives in the sacrament of Holy Orders. Jesus came up and spoke to them. He said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.' Matthew 28:18-20 The Church is made up of God s people; however, Jesus appointed certain people to act as leaders. What benefits does this give the Church, and why do you think the Church is structured this way? In your opinion how does the responsibility of the priesthood differ from the responsibility of a lay (non-ordained) person? In other words, can anyone do the work of a priest? No one claims this office for himself, he is called to it by God. CCC #1578 As he was walking by the Lake of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew; they were making a cast into the lake with their net, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Come after me and I will make you fishers of people.' And at once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20

13 Have you ever felt called into some type of religious life (priest, nun, religious brother and sisters)? Do you feel tempted to ignore this calling? If so why? Is it unfair for only men to be called to the priesthood? Does it make sense when the Church is referred to as the bride of Christ? What struggles do you have in accepting this belief? Jesus gave priests the power to forgive sins, baptize and bring about or confect the Eucharist. Holy Orders is the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues to be exercised in the Church until the end of time: thus it is the sacrament of apostolic ministry. It includes three degrees: episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition Christ himself chose the apostles and gave them a share in his mission and authority. Raised to the Father's right hand, he has not forsaken his flock but he keeps it under his constant protection through the apostles, and guides it still through these same pastors who continue his work today.61 Thus, it is Christ whose gift it is that some be apostles, others pastors. He continues to act through the bishops.a# Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition "Only a baptized man (vir) validly receives sacred ordination."66 The Lord Jesus chose men (ver) to form the college of the twelve apostles, and the apostles did the same when they chose collaborators to succeed them in their ministry.67 The college of bishops, with whom the priests are united in the priesthood, makes the college of the twelve an ever-present and ever-active reality until Christ's return. The Church recognizes herself to be bound by this choice made by the Lord himself. For this reason the ordination of women is not possible Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition The ordinary ministers of Baptism are the bishop and priest 1256 Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition Indeed bishops and priest, by virtue of the sacrament of Holy Orders, have the power to forgive all sins in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition But the members do not all have the same function. Certain members are called by God, in and through the Church, to a special service of the community. These servants are chosen and consecrated by the sacrament of Holy orders, by which the Holy Spirit enables them to act in the person of Christ the head, for the service of all the members of the Church. The ordained minister is as it were, and icon of Christ the Priest. Since it is in the Eucharist that the sacrament the Church is made fully visible, it is in his

14 presiding at the Eucharist that the Bishop s ministry is most evident, as well as, in communion with him, the ministry of priests and deacons Catechism of the Catholic Church 2nd Edition What image do you get in your mind when you hear priests are given power to forgive sins, etc? Knowing that religious (in particular priest) have this much responsibility, how does it shape your perception of this sacrament? A NEXT STEP TO TAKE: There is a lot of information when it comes to Holy Orders, and this booklet cannot cover it all. To read more about what the Catholic Church says about Marriage please refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church section 2: The Celebration of the Christian Mystery. In Chapter 3 you will find more on Holy Orders. Another step you can take is by visiting which is an online inventory for discerning a vocation. It takes about 20 minutes to complete, and it helps match various options for a discerner. It is a great exercise to complete to help you think. Of course there is a chance to sign up at the end, but you can skip this portion unless you want more information.

15 Taking the Next Step in Your Faith Now that you ve completed the formal side of preparation for Confirmation we encourage you to go back through all the habits and reflect on the ones that came easily to you and the ones that were a bit of a struggle. For the ones that were simple, ask yourself, How can I go deeper in this habit, how can I fine-tune in order to become better at [enter habit here]. For the habits that were a struggle ask yourself, What is holding me back or preventing me from truly embracing this habit? Even though this is the end of your immediate preparation for Confirmation, it isn t the end of your faith journey! You have the opportunity to grow and go deeper and we ask that you not starve yourself of the spiritual fuel these habits can provide. Many members of the St. Alphonsus Liguori family have worked hard to nourish you spiritually and support your growth in Christ. Please accept this support as our best gift to you, which we hope will encourage you throughout your life, and pick you up when you fall on hard times. Whether it is next year or 60 years from now, we hope that you always remember and feel connected to the loving and powerful body of Christ, because together we can live a wonderful life for God. We are so proud of you and love you all. Peace and God Bless, Paul and Alexa Sifuentes Co-Directors of Youth Ministry St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church